2642 days ago

Advent food box

Karen from Nawton

Hi all. Last week I received a Facebook post from a Canadian relation about a advent food box. This daily task entailed putting an item into a box during the first 24 days of Dec and then on Xmas eve donating entire box to a food bank/Salvation Army.
As I only go to shops 1-2 times a week I've come up with my own method.
Starting last week (after I had already been groceries couple of days earlier, so luckily I had something here to add) I set up a box and placed a pkt of pasta into it, and today during groceries I bought pkt of cornflakes.
So I'll be adding 1-2 items per week until Xmas eve then will donate somewhere. Thought others might like to do likewise.
Did donate few weeks ago (after daughter had massive clean out of her pantry) a pile of items to the food pantry in Grange ave. But twice this week I've gone past and it's been empty.
By starting up your own weekly or daily food box/es you can then be sure they'll get to people who really need them via a food bank or Salvation army.
Don't forget to include food tins/pkts for pets and household items like toilet paper, tissues, handy towels, rubbish bags, dishwash liquid, soap, etc etc.
So my challenge is that next time you do your groceries buy 1-2 extra items (I usually go for items I personally wouldn't usually use myself ie I prefer ricies but I bought cornflakes for box) and start up a box to donate on Xmas eve/a day or 2 earlier to a food bank or even directly to a family you know who would greatly benefit from a food box.
Thanks for taking up the challenge. I'm on a benefit but as I've been helped by a food bank in the past, I usually donate during Dec to the food bin in the supermarket but starting last week I'm doing a food box instead. Given my finances I'll be averaging about $1-3 per item depending what I can afford each week and what items are on special.
Many thanks to all those who follow my lead.

More messages from your neighbours
17 hours ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

Image
Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 9% Yes! New Year, New Me
    9% Complete
  • 21.9% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    21.9% Complete
  • 69.1% Nah - not for me
    69.1% Complete
311 votes
1 day ago

From rugged campsite to 7.5ha resort

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Grant Kilby has always loved camping. His mum was director of health at the YMCA, and he would attend YMCA camps in the school holidays. “I think it was mandatory that I was there,” he jokes.

He went on camping holidays with his parents, and later, took his own kids.
“Camping’s been in my blood.”

Image
8 days ago

Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!

Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?

Image
Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
  • 78.7% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
    78.7% Complete
  • 21.3% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
    21.3% Complete
1284 votes